Diri offers 2023 Time Magazine awardee, Ogoina, N40m grant

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has awarded a N40 million research grant to Prof. Dimie Ogoina, a recipient of 2023 Time Magazine 100 Most Influential Persons in the World.

Diri made the pronouncement yesterday when Ogoina, accompanied by members of the planning committee for celebrating the recipient, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.

Diri, who applauded Ogoina for his dedication to duty, noted that the Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri was instrumental to the few deaths recorded in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world in 2020.

While congratulating the infectious disease physician-scientist for his achievement, the governor stated that he not only made Bayelsa proud, but Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

He said: “The moment I assumed office (in February 2020), we had COVID-19 outbreak. Prof. Ogoina was up and doing. His work ethics were second to none.

“I am not surprised that he has been recognised. Part of why we didn’t record several deaths in Bayelsa was as a result of the leadership he gave, working with the Ministry of Health.

“You have made our state proud. The state government hereby commits itself to a research grant for you to the tune of N40 million. We know you will bring more honour to Bayelsa.”

In his remarks, the Time Magazine 100 Most Influential Persons in the World recipient attributed the recognition and award to not just his diligence, but also the grace of God, saying his story was an inspiration to many, as he singlehandedly carried out the research at Okolobiri in 2017.

Ogoina stated that his discovery was the route of transmission of the monkey pox disease.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele, said Ogoina was worth celebrating due to his achievements in healthcare, noting that the adoption of his advised protocol saved many Nigerians from death during the pandemic.